The defender will start off doing individual work before joining up with the first-team – rehabilitation Van Gaal says is “going great” albeit not quick enough to make the FA Cup final should United make the May 21 showpiece.

“Luke Shaw shall start next week the first training sessions on the pitch,” United boss Van Gaal said.

“It was always in the gym, on the treadmill, in the swimming pool and so on, but now he can train for the first time with his bodyweight on the pitch, so it is going great for Luke Shaw.

“But also…it shall be very difficult for him to play the final of the FA Cup.”

Van Gaal had hoped the full-back would return in time to feature at Wembley, but Friday’s admission means the defender is unlikely to play again this term – and almost certainly means a place at Euro 2016 is out of reach.

Roy Hodgson has repeatedly said the door remained open for Shaw, but given the England manager names his squad on May 12 and they host Turkey a day after the FA Cup final the tournament in France looks beyond him.